BATON ROUGE, La. (KLFY) — Elected officials, members of law enforcement and family members of those who have lost their lives to fentanyl gathered to discuss the Halt Fentanyl Act, which has been signed by President Trump.

Senator Bill Cassidy says the act classifies fentanyl related substances as a Schedule I narcotic, and it also has required jail time if certain amounts of fentanyl related substances are found by law enforcement.

“Because I like to say if it addicts like fentanyl, if it kills like fentanyl, you should go to jail like it’s fentanyl,” said Cassidy.

Today’s press conference also gave family members of those who have lost their lives to fentanyl a chance to speak and share their feelings regarding the act. Some of those family members have previously spoken to us here at KLFY.

“To those working behind the scenes to strengthen laws, we thank you. But please remember, without prevention, education and treatment, we will not stop the epidemic,” said Christy Sonnier, Mother of Hunter Clemons.

Finally, members of law enforcement had the chance to speak about how important this act will be in giving them more tools to prosecute those who distribute fentanyl.

“This is personal to Louisiana sheriffs, just like it’s personal to you. There is a different day tomorrow. It’s a different day. Next week’s a different week. They have a hope,” said Kevin Cobb of Louisiana Sheriff’s Association.

The various speakers all spoke with a sense of hope for a brighter future as the war on fentanyl moves on.

“We do know we’re going to get because we’re committed and we’re going to commit and we’re going to win,” said Cassidy.

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